A FIELD at a Test Valley farm will be used as an off-grid campsite after plans were permitted. 

Dagan James can use the land at Manor Farm in North End, Broughton, for four tents, a toilet/shower, covered dining area and car park. 

The application was permitted by Test Valley Borough Council's southern area planning committee on Tuesday, July 23. 

The scheme received 14 objections and one supporting comment. The campsite will be in operation from April to October. 

The applicant's agent Anna Hebard said: “This is a small-scale, off-grid campsite. This is essential for the farm to diversify. 

“This provides an excellent opportunity to provide a regular income. The site will be screened from the public view. 

READ MORE: Residents furious over plans for houses at Test Valley Farm

Campsite plans (Image: TVBC)

“It will have economic benefits, bringing people to the area to support local shops and pubs.”

The planning officers' report said: “It is considered that the proposal would not result in any adverse impacts on the character and appearance of the surrounding area, heritage assets, residential amenities, or ecology.

"The proposal would also result in economic benefits and would help sustain the local community and economy. As a result, it is considered that, in this instance, there are other material considerations that weigh significantly in favour of the proposals and that this outweighs the in principle conflict with the development plan.”

Cllr Alison Johnston had some concerns. She said: “This is about losing arable farmland. It seems to me a bit of short-termism. We should be looking a bit more strategically across these farmyard applications to ensure we're not severely compromising our farming capacity.”

Cllr Neil Gwynne supported it. He said: “We need the diversification of the countryside for it to continue. We can't just stick to agriculture.” 

The scheme was unanimously approved.